Stonegate is a planned community just East of Scottsdale Ranch that was primarily developed in the 1990s. Featuring numerous subdivisions and various builders, Stonegate lies behind a 24/7 manned guard-gate for the security conscious home buyer.

Featuring smaller patio homes through large single-family homes, with lot sizes available from small to large, Stonegate has something to offer for everyone from seasonal residents to year-round residents.

Famous for its manicured grounds and generous amenities, including a large clubhouse and large, heated community pool/spa (several of the subdivisions have their own pools as well), walking paths, etc, this is one community where you get your money’s worth from those monthly HOA dues. You almost get the feeling that your home ownership includes resort privileges with the quality of Stonegate’s common areas. Don’t miss the adjacent Stonegate Equestrian Park either. This 23 acre city park includes equestrian arenas, round pens, trails, playground, ramadas, etc for nature enthusiasts.

With the Salt River Pima Indian Reservation laying directly to the South, Stonegate feels somewhat removed from the hustle bustle despite its relative proximity to the Loop 101 freeway (approx 10-15 mins).

At the time of this posting, prices range from the 400s to upwards of $1 million for these primarily Spanish-style homes.

Arcadia is a little slice of Heaven that spans the South Scottsdale and Phoenix border between Camelback and Indian School Roads. Originally dominated by modest, mid-century ranch style homes, Arcadia today contains a mix of older homes and sprawling, palatial custom homes of all different types of architecture.

Known for its large grassy yards with mature trees, Arcadia is a haven for those who aren’t necessarily looking for the desert experience. It tends to attract those who prefer a little greenery, room between neighbors, and an in-town location. Arcadia is also one of the few pockets where high end homes can be obtained absent a homeowner association, for those who don’t like being burdened with all the attendant fees and bylaws.

Looking for a rambling, older ranch home that you can fix up and make your own? Try Arcadia.

Looking for a Spanish or a Santa Fe style home? Try Arcadia.

Ideally located for an easy commute downtown Phoenix, Old Town Scottsdale, the Biltmore area, etc, Arcadia offers a taste of nuvo-bucolic (yes, I just coined that term) living in the middle of the city.

You will need a sizable checkbook to break into the Arcadia Real Estate market, however. The desirability of this community and location dictates that even old teardown properties tend to start well in excess of $500,000 for Arcadia proper. The sky is essentially the limit for the upper end on newer construction. For those on tighter budgets, more affordable options can be had by straying just South of it’s Indian School Road border.

Ancala is a high-end, guard-gated golf community in Northeast Scottsdale along the Via Linda corridor. Renowned for its world-class golf and clubhouse facilities, it boasts custom single-family homes that average 4000+ square feet, and lot sizes that average in excess of 1/2 acre. Nestled into the Southern foothills of the McDowell Mountains, desert vistas abound and city light views are available from certain vantage points.

While home prices can reach the multi-million dollar range in this coveted neighborhood, there are more affordable options for those working on a tighter budget. Smaller casitas (free-standing patio homes on small lots) offer lower maintenance and can be had in the $500k-700k range at the time of this posting.

Walking paths, heated community pool(s) and spa(s) are among the amenities one would expect in a development of this caliber.

Park Scottsdale is a collection of subdivisions developed by famous local builder, Hallcraft Homes, in the 1960s and 1970s. Covering large swaths of South Scottsdale (or “Classic Scottsdale” as it has been recently dubbed in some circles), these block, ranch style homes represent a slight step up from the red brick homes of Scottsdale Estates, Hallcraft’s original development of the 1950s and 1960s.

Floor plans include single, two-story, and tri-level models.

Park Scottsdale, along with Scottsdale Estates, Scottsdale Country Acres, Scottsdale Highlands, Village Grove, and several others represents one of the more affordable entry points into the Scottsdale Real Estate market. While prices can vary dramatically given the property ages, as some have been professionally remodeled while others continue to remain hermetically sealed in 1964, by and large this is one of the most cost effective neighborhoods in all of Scottsdale. For this reason, along with access to numerous public parks, proximity to Old Town Scottsdale and the Loop 101 freeway, it appeals to people from all walks of life.

Given the number of homes in the various Park Scottsdale subdivisions, there is typically no shortage of available housing options from which to choose.

Grayhawk is a community developed around the renowned Grayhawk Golf Club (two professional-level 18 hole courses) in North Scottsdale. From small townhouses and patio homes to multi-million dollar estates, Grayhawk offers a variety of housing for a variety of needs. Featuring both gated and non-gated subdivisions within its confines, Grayhawk holds appeal for lock-and-leave winter residents and full-time residents alike.

Not just appealing to golf enthusiasts, Grayhawk includes amenities like heated community pools & spas, clubhouse, walking paths, close proximity to the shops and restaurants and D.C. Ranch Marketplace, and more.

With a variety of builders and floor plans from which to choose, Grayhawk is a viable option for those looking for something a little removed from the city center, but still maintaining reasonable proximity to the Loop 101 to get anywhere in the Valley. Desert and McDowell Mountain views abound within its inviting confines.

Grayhawk is a great option for those who want the desert experience without giving up the perks and amenities of planned community living.

Continuing the Unique Architecture in Scottsdale series, this edition focuses on the mid-century modern designs of famed local architect Ralph Haver. If you enjoyed the style of the Frank Lloyd Wright inspired homes of Mountain View East in McCormick Ranch, but are operating with a lesser budget, the South Scottsdale subdivision of Town & Country Scottsdale might be for you.

A small neighborhood of 62 homes, Town & Country Scottsdale is coveted as much for its downtown Scottsdale location as it is for its classic lines. Featuring the clerestory windows and sharp angles that make enthusiasts of contemporary design swoon, Haver homes are always in high demand. There are other Haver subdivisions scattered throughout Phoenix, but Town & Country Scottsdale is the only Haver neighborhood that has been designated “Historic.” Besides, it’s as Old Town Scottsdale as it gets.

These homes range in size from just under 1400 square feet to nearly 2400 square feet, and were constructed between 1952 and 1960.All properties are single-level and feature block construction. 35 have private pools.Some remain virtually untouched by time while others have been renovated from top to bottom.As such, the prices can fluctuate wildly between the upper $200,00s and the low $400,000s (as of the time of this posting).

For those who want their unique architecture on a budget, it is tough to beat this charming neighborhood. While this older area of Scottsdale has less flash than the new developments further north, it makes up for it in character. With the direction the cost of gas is heading, it’s hard to argue with the central location which allows residents to walk or bike to all of the downtown attractions (restaurants, nightspots, art galleries, etc).

South Scottsdale is typically thought of as entry-level housing to our community, but that doesn’t mean it has to entail a small, boring shoebox of a home. Town & Country proves that. With a resurgence of appreciation for this mid-century modern design, the future is bright for this neighborhood.